Reviews (182)

French Pony · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 37: Whither Thou Goest

Yay, they found Faramir, thanks to the help of his faithful horse Lassie. Let's hope Aragorn doesn't have to tie him to the bed to get him to heal this time. I'm a little surprised, though, that they didn't take a professional healer with them, knowing that they were going to be tracking down a man likely to be severely injured if he was alive at all. You've already shown that Aragorn is liable to get a fit of the vapors after tending to Faramir in this state, and in any case, one would think that having a healer along would be generally helpful if they're not planning on moving him. But maybe the discussion with Arwen has bolstered Aragorn's strength, and he will be able to deal with Faramir as a King and exert whatever pressure is needed to get Faramir to agree to the mind meld. Perhaps an appeal to Faramir's sense of duty might do it.

Bodkin · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 37: Whither Thou Goest

Thank goodness they found him - he's far too frail to last too long out there. And Aragorn has picked up that Faramir loves Aragorn and Eowyn desperately, so I hope he'll push a little harder and make sure he gets through this time. Good thing there was a nearby hut - and that it's watertight and can be got warm. And Damrod seems a good person to have around. There's nothing like having a shared grouch about the difficulty of getting Faramir to accept treatment to develop a working relationship!

Bodkin · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 36: The Flight of Faramir

Oh, Faramir - engage the brain. I know you're injured. I know you're in despair. But don't just assume - it's very unscholarly. What makes you think Eowyn and Aragorn have any intention of giving up on you? At least he will begin to be sorted out soon. I hope. He is so far beyond the end of his tether, he's about to throttle himself.

Raksha The Demon · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 36: The Flight of Faramir

Note to Faramir: If you think you've been "dishonoured" while unconscious in prison, ask your doctor (who happens to also be your best friend)! Note to Aragorn: After you find Faramir, put a collar on him with several bells on it and order him not to take it off. Note to Eowyn: Don't be as dumb as your husband - for once, do as you're told and stay home! Note to Eomer: Get a brain transplant. From a CHICKEN! Note to Linda: Update soon!

French Pony · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 36: The Flight of Faramir

The more I read of this, the more I am convinced that the boys ought to spend a nice summer not doing much of anything other than playing and being taken care of. Aragorn in particular needs to learn that wailing dramatically about what he could and could not do for Faramir isn't helping anyone, and that he can't really force Faramir to do anything. Faramir, I think, is now learning that people who write overly dramatic suicide notes of the farewell-cruel-world variety tend to get what they deserve. Fortunately, Éowyn is as sharp as ever, and would probably even now be riding out to fetch him home if she didn't have the bump to deal with. I am greatly looking forward to the moment when Éowyn and Arwen together confront their husbands and patch things up with a few well-chosen words of kindness and common sense.

Bodkin · 16 November 2005 · Chapter 35: When the Bough Breaks

That was a very pleasant interlude! I love the father/son bonding - and Arwen admiring the pair of them. But Faramir! He's about to implode - if he doesn't release some of this pressure soon. (Great image - Eowyn waddling at full gallop to get help from A&A.)

Stefania · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 22: Behold the Man !

OMG, Faramir does have a death wish in this one. Poor guy is suffering so much he probably can no longer bear the pain. Good job, Linda, in ratching up the drama. Let me add my voice to the others who have given you props for your knowledge of herbal remedies and use of them in this story. If I ever need some help with an alternative cure, I'll drop you an email :) :) . - Steff

French Pony · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 35: When the Bough Breaks

Oh dear, Faramir's gone off to do something stupid, hasn't he? They shoulda got Arwen in to talk to him. She seems to be real good at the diplomacy thing, and I bet she could have soothed him despite himself. At least Arwen got Aragorn to spend some time with the baby. I think Aragorn needed that.

Lady Jaina · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 34: Losing Hope

As always, excellent work. I enjoyed Aragorn's distress...it is something one rarely sees in a fanfiction story.

Bodkin · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 34: Losing Hope

Good for Arwen. She is the glue holding this lot together at the moment. And Eowyn is doing her best - although she still needs to mature, like a good cheese. I'm not surprised Aragorn is close to the edge, though. Between them, Eomer and Faramir are not exactly co-operating.

French Pony · 12 November 2005 · Chapter 34: Losing Hope

Yes, Arwen, give Aragorn that slap in the face that he so desperately needs. If his Vulcan Mind Melding with Faramir is to be at all successful, Aragorn is going to have to be in decent shape emotionally. Spending some time with the wise words of his wife is going to go a long way towards preparing Aragorn for this drastic step.

Lady Jaina · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 33: The Comfort of Friendship

Ooh! Don't leave me hanging here! I love the exhaustion of Aragorn, the concern for Faramir, but most especially the relationship between Arwen and Eowyn. It is just as I have always imagined it to be. I love this! The undertone of concern for Eowyn is one of my favorite parts! Excellent work!

Bodkin · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 33: The Comfort of Friendship

Well, at least Eowyn has learned the value of talking! Arwen makes a very good friend for her, too - and she has enough wisdom to deal with the Shieldmaiden's rough edges. But Faramir! It's a shame Aragorn doesn't have access to truth drugs. If only Faramir could bring himself to reveal his worries, he could start getting better.

French Pony · 9 November 2005 · Chapter 33: The Comfort of Friendship

As I understand it, the thing with Faramir and Éowyn and Aragorn all in the bed together came because Faramir and Éowyn were sharing body heat to warm Aragorn, right? I don't get why everyone is making such a big deal out of that, as though someone was being massively unfaithful to someone else by doing it. I mean, yes, Éowyn and Aragorn occupied the same bed for a night. But Faramir was there as well, and Aragorn appears to have been too out of it to have moved, much less tried anything funny. At least the ladies did get a chance to talk and be reasonable and friendly before Aragorn arrived. It's ironic that he doesn't want to mention his suspicions about what might have happened to Faramir to the ladies in order to "protect" them, when they're clearly more able to deal with that sort of thing with cool and considerate heads than he is. It was nice to see Arwen with Eldarion. The poor baby almost seems to have become an afterthought, given everything else that was going on while he was being born.

Lady Jaina · 9 November 2005 · Chapter 32: A Noble Mind O'erthrown ?

I can't wait to see the Arwen and Eowyn relationship progress! You did an excellent job here.

French Pony · 7 November 2005 · Chapter 32: A Noble Mind O'erthrown ?

Ah, the ladies! You gotta love them. They're just so eminently sensible about this whole affair, and they seem to be such good friends, too. Arwen and Éowyn should be the ones running Gondor and Rohan while the gentlemen go about having their vapors. It is good to see Aragorn taking back the reins of command. Faramir seems to have been abruptly cut loose from everything that was marginally stable in his life, in addition to undergoing a profoundly traumatic experience in prison, and he is certainly entitled to crumble a little. What he needs is a firm hand to support and give some orders. Up till now, Aragorn has been spectacularly remiss in that regard, but he's doing better now. Let's hope it's not too late.

harrowcat · 7 November 2005 · Chapter 32: A Noble Mind O'erthrown ?

I don't want to throw things at Faramir as I can empathise with him totally. But you however! That is a totally different matter! What a place to leave poor Aragorn and Faramir in your other story. My fingernails are being chewed for the first time in years. Please please update it before I reach my nuckles!

French Pony · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 31: Fear and Frustration

Finally, at long last, reason prevails! Aragorn and Éowyn finally stop hashing over their blame issues and get around to dealing with Faramir. Arwen's cool, rational presence seems to be a great help here; she ought to hang around more often. It seems that what Faramir really needs is a strong rock to lean on. He can't have had many people like that in his life; Boromir was probably it. Once he can lean on someone strong, it looks like he can let go of his problems just a little bit. It's good for both of them that Aragorn has finally figured out that he has to be that strong, ever so slightly commanding presence.

harrowcat · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 30: Now cracks a noble heart

Oh, good. At last you have them back in the same room at least! I think I am enjoying this even better second time around - less suspense and more time to appreciate the details. But the suspense in your other story is killing me let alone the King! And your choice of quotes are inspired. How on earth do you keep finding them?

Bodkin · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 30: Now cracks a noble heart

Obstinate could certainly be Faramir's middle name. It is at times like these that his descent from Denethor can clearly be seen! He only seems willing to accept help when unconscious - so it's just as well he is! Eowyn and Aragorn must be ripping their hair out.

Lady Jaina · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 30: Now cracks a noble heart

I'm glad you update quickly, and also glad to hear that this is only halfway!! Another great chapter. You have done an excellent job capturing Eowyn's spirit, and I love the way you have written the character of Faramir!

French Pony · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 30: Now cracks a noble heart

Yes, Faramir does need a direct order. Perhaps Aragorn doesn't have the aura of command that comes with being a true working physician, but he does have the aura of command that comes with being the leader of the Rangers and now the King. Time to use some authority here. As usual, Éowyn has the right idea, though I wonder how she managed to miss Aragorn's medication orders for Faramir. To whom did he give the orders, if not to Éowyn? After this is over, Aragorn will have to decide if he wants to be a King or a physician. And he's going to have to start acting like one or the other.

Lady Jaina · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 29: Crying in the Night

Wow! I was so caught up in the story that I hardly noticed the chapter ended! You, as always, have done an amazing job. I am addicted to all the lovely angst your story has! Excellent work!

Bodkin · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 29: Crying in the Night

I'm only surprised Aragorn hasn't taken to drink. It must be the joy of being a new father that's kept him going. Eomer. Yeah, well. Head injury. Faramir. OK. Severe injury trauma. But I'm surprised Eowyn hasn't hit one or other yet. Although she might have to get in the queue. They are neither of them being even marginally co-operative. But things will get better!

French Pony · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 29: Crying in the Night

I have to say, I'm getting a little concerned here. Éomer doesn't seem to be at all in his right mind -- one would expect him to be smart enough to have seen the light by now and not hold such a deep grudge against Faramir. Personality changes from the head injury might be causing that, but someone needs to relieve him of his command on doctor's orders pronto. And Aragorn and Éowyn are showing an astounding collective lack of judgement here. "I thought you were taking care of Faramir!" "But -- but I thought you were!" They are both going way too far in their little pity party here. Faramir needs both of them, but they are just sitting there having attacks of the vapors. Faramir is in no shape to be telling anyone how to take care of him. Someone needs to step in and take over here, and between his King and the woman who offed the Witch-King, you'd think someone would be able to do it. I'm looking at Arwen now, as she seems to be the only one left with a head on her shoulders.